What is a placenta and what is encapsulation?
Your placenta is the organ that is attached to the uterine wall during pregnancy, nourishing your baby as she/he grows. The placenta is the source of most of the hormones your body needs for pregnancy. After the baby is born, the placenta is born as well, which means there's a major shift in your hormones, as the hormone-production factory (placenta) is no longer there.
Most mammals consume their placentas after birth and there are many theories about why this may be. Human mothers often choose to encapsulate their placenta as a hygienic alternative to simply eating it (though there are recipes out there, for those souls brave enough to try it!).
The encapsulation process consists of thoroughly rinsing the placenta, gently steaming it, dehydrating it until all moisture is removed, then grinding it up into fine powder that is then put into capsules. Most placentas that I've encapsulated create anywhere from 110-160 capsules.
So... why would I encapsulate my placenta?
I offer placenta encapsulation as a service here in Huntsville because I personally benefited from it. I knew I was at risk for postpartum depression, so with my last two babies I decided to go ahead and try encapsulating in case it might help... and I felt like it did take the edge off the emotional ups and downs and help me adjust to postpartum life.
Most mothers who have chosen to consume their placenta felt that it was beneficial in some way. Some of the reported benefits have been:
Decreased risk of postpartum depression
Increased energy
Boost in milk supply
Support in mother/baby bonding
Help with mood swings
Support in general recovery after birth
Is it gross?
Nope! It is pretty much like taking a vitamin - odorless, tasteless. Placenta capsules are medium brown in color and look like any other nutritional supplement.
What is the evidence for placenta encapsulation?
There has been very little research into the potential benefits for encapsulation. What evidence there is does suggest that the placenta contains iron, hormones, and other trace nutrients. Hopefully more research will be done in the near future! For more info on analyzing the evidence, check out Evidence Based Birth's review of the available research.
Is it safe?
Out of the research currently available, there have been no dangers found to placenta consumption.
Safety Is important when considering who you'd like to have encapsulate your placenta. Most placenta encapsulation training includes the basics of safe handling. My own training included getting a Food Handler's card as well as taking a Biologix Bloodborne Pathogens training.
Guidelines for safe encapsulation include heating the placenta to at least 165 degrees prior to the dehydration step (I do this by steaming the placenta) and essentially treating it as you would treat any other meat product: it must be kept refrigerated or on ice until the encapsulation process begins.
I require my encapsulation clients to provide bloodwork showing negative results for HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis (these are all part of routine pregnancy testing). This ensures safety for each client, that my equipment has not contacted any potentially dangerous bloodborne pathogens.
I also follow guidelines for sanitizing equipment and work surfaces with a bleach solution and use sterile gloves while encapsulating.
What else do I need to know?
For more information about getting your placenta encapsulated if you're in the Huntsville area, please contact me! My encapsulation service covers pickup from all local hospitals (Huntsville Hospital, Crestwood Medical Center, Madison Hospital, Athens-Limestone Hospital, and Lincoln Medical Center in Fayetteville) and I'm also willing to travel further for an additional fee. Once I've picked up your placenta, I have the capsules made and delivered to you within 24-48 hours.
My service also includes a beautiful placenta print, if desired. Some families cherish these as keepsakes to remember the precious time of pregnancy and birth.
Comentarios